Home Affairs Minister takes on justice and equality policy

Monday 30 January 2023

The Chief Minister has shifted some ministerial responsibilities, with Home Affairs Minister Helen Miles taking on ‘Justice’ and External Relations Minister taking on ‘Financial Services’ on a permanent basis.

Deputy Kristina Moore has recently presented a report to the States Assembly, confirming some transfers of responsibilities between her ministerial team.

Most significantly, Deputy Miles will take on the role of devising and overseeing justice policy, and promoting diversity, equality and social inclusion. 

These previously sat within the Chief Minister’s portfolio.

To reflect this enhanced responsibility, the role of the Minister for Home Affairs will be widened to be ‘Minister for Justice and Home Affairs’.

Also, External Relations Minister Philip Ozouf will retain responsibility for the financial services industry.

When the new Council of Ministers was elected in July, it was announced that Treasury Minister Ian Gorst was to keep responsibility for Jersey’s most significant industry, a sector he had overseen as External Relations Minister in the last government.

Pictured: Treasury Minister Deputy Ian Gorst had been expected to hold onto responsibility for financial services.

However, the transfer was never made, with Deputy Ozouf taking on financial services, as his predecessor had done.

Now, those responsibilities have solidified, with the St. Saviour Deputy keeping his portfolio.

In a published letter to him, Deputy Moore writes: “The industry is of crucial importance for Jersey’s economy; and provides many benefits to islanders. 

“Its continued success in securing jobs and government revenues is crucial, as are the availability of competitive financial services to all islanders, businesses, and third sector organisations. 

“Furthermore, 2023 is an important year as we work to deliver a positive outcome from the forthcoming Moneyval assessment as well as supporting development of the industry.

“As a government, we also have a wide and ambitious programme, driving change for Jersey. This includes ensuring we manage the public’s money wisely, improving our public services as we do so. As Treasury and Resources Minister, you are central to our endeavours in this, and the wider government programme for change.

“Accordingly, having considered how best to achieve our objectives for the Financial Services industry while delivering our ambitious programme, we have together concluded that it would best to maintain the existing ministerial portfolios. 

“Ministerial reshuffles can be complex and time-consuming; and my observation from the last six months has been that we are already a strong, cohesive, and collaborative team.”

Financial Services used to be the responsibility of the Chief Minister but was transferred to the External Relations Minister in May 2019.

In another letter, to Deputy Miles, the Chief Minister writes: “Democratic responsibility for the overall justice system within the executive branch of government previously sat within the Chief Minister’s portfolio. 

“This transfer will bring it together with your wider responsibilities for criminal justice and community safety policy. 

“This will enable us to better deliver an overall home affairs and justice programme that is cohesive, respecting and being seen to respect the independence of the judiciary, and strengthening alignment between your portfolio and the Justice and Home Affairs Department.

“This new role will include a focus on community engagement and early interventions to enhance safety and ultimately prevent crime and other harms from occurring, advancing our strategic priority around prevention and community safety.

“As part of your responsibility for supporting and maintaining a safe and inclusive community, you will also take on responsibilities for equality and diversity. 

“Our objective is to raise the profile of the equality and diversity agenda, addressing issues such as the gender pay gap, and participation in public and private institutions and our wider community.”

Pictured top: Deputies Moore, Miles and Ozouf.